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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION                  CFMS ByLaws
Note: IRS publication 526 allows you to deduct your membership fees.

Columbus Folk Music Society
CFMS is a nonprofit society committed to folk traditions and the people who want to share in them. We are a membership organization that provides:
Venues for performers of all ages and experience.
Workshops and teaching opportunities.
Events and concerts for members and the public.
Connections to other folk and music sources.

Who are we?
Our members come from all walks of life - we are accountants, tradespeople, teachers, photographers, lawyers and members of all ages. We are folk musicians, singer/songwriters, dancers, storytellers, poets, historians, performers, and listeners. Our diversity is what makes our Society a strong, local touchstone. We welcome everyone with respect. In this way, we encourage the broadening of folk art knowledge, its performance, preservation, and public awareness.

A 26 U.S.C. 501 (c) (3) Organization
As a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization in the State of Ohio, the Columbus Folk Music Society Inc. is listed with the IRS for tax deductible charitable contributions. We are part of the Columbus Foundation's PowerPhilanthropy program, and are eligible for donations by credit card made through the Columbus Foundation website. We also receive local corporate support, and work with various service groups in Central Ohio. This allows us to fulfill our mission of expanding awareness of, and appreciation for, the folk arts in Central Ohio.

How We Got Started
Formed in 1991 and dedicated to preserving the folk arts, the Columbus Folk Music Society started with a core group of folk lovers who wanted to share their love and knowledge of the folk arts. In this same year, the new society took over booking and management of the monthly Other Side Coffeehouse at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus in Clintonville, which provided a gathering place. The coffeehouse moved to the Areopagitica Bookstore from 2006 - 2010 and continued to expand.

CFMS Today
The Coffeehouse is now at the Columbus Mennonite Church where we continue to grow. Many new talents have been discovered through open stages and agent contacts. We have expanded our involvement in regional venues, outreach by our members, and by offering new opportunities to hear local, regional, national, and international talent.

Central Ohio Folk Festival
The Central Ohio Folk Festival (COFF) was founded in 1997 by CFMS to make folk arts accessible to the public. The festival continues to grow, partnering with the Metro Parks to provide an outdoor location at the Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, which harmonizes nature and music, is open to the community, and provides a venue for learning.

Membership Has Its Privileges
Membership in the Columbus Folk Music Society ensures you're in the loop with CFMS happenings, local folk activities, special events, and fundraising efforts. You'll receive the monthly CFMS newsletter, "A Different Strummer", to keep you informed. Local and regional folk activities are listed at the CFMS web site so you can plan your calendar accordingly. With your membership, you'll enjoy discounts at the monthly coffeehouse and you'll be the first to know about concerts and other special events throughout the year.

CFMS Offers Many Activities
  The monthly FolkSide Coffeehouse (Sept- May)
 Last Saturday of the month at the Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park  Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. Pre-performance jam session, open stage  (free sign-up)  and featured main act. Social and creative setting for discussing folk history, stories,  music, and the latest current events in the folk world. Snacks and beverages available.

  Summer picnics

  Multiple open mic opportunities
  Free sign up.

  Annual Central Ohio Folk Festival
  (1st weekend in May) Held at the Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, it features a Saturday evening concert with a headliner and an opening act. Workshops Sat/Sun for beginners and seasoned folk artists. Spotlight concerts Sat/Sun (open to the public) feature local favorites and new acts. Jamming tent, drum circle, instrument petting zoo, Metro Park nature displays. Sat/Sun in the park for children and families with hands-on activities and sing-a-longs. Closing song circle (everyone welcome).

  Annual Fundraising Events
 Summer yard sale, auctions at February and March coffeehouses, annual fundraiser at the Shamrock Club, community support events, local fundraisers for community causes.

How To Contact Us
To contact CFMS, leave a voicemail message at 614-470-3963, or any CFMS board member can give you more information about CFMS and joining our society. Visit the CFMS Leadership List.

Our Mission
The Columbus Folk Music Society, Inc. is organized to operate exclusively as a not-for-profit corporation for educational, cultural, and charitable purposes. The society's goals include, but are not limited to, the following:

To promote the appreciation, understanding, private playing, public performance, and enjoyment of folk music, song, dance, storytelling, and other folk arts inclusive of all cultures.

To improve and expand folk art communications.
To support folk artists and other worthy cultural and charitable activities and organizations.
To provide opportunities for public folk performances.
To promote national and international folk art performances.

 

 

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